The lobby of the ‘Driven by Disruption’ auction, which took place on the 10th floor of Sotheby’s headquarters on York Avenue.

(Jim Travers)

Some brought absolutely breathtaking prices, like a Ferrari 290 MM race car that sold for more than $28 million at RM Sotheby’s ‘Driven by Disruption’ auction, held on December 10.

Like so many things in New York, the news here isn’t just about towering prices. These auctions are all about style and panache, too.

For example, the ‘Driven by Disruption’ auction took place on the 10th floor of Sotheby’s headquarters on York Avenue, with a hand-picked assortment of just 31 cars displayed high above the holiday bustle at street-level below.

The crowd gathered on the 10th floor of Sotheby's on York Avenue in Manhattan gets ready to bid on rare and valuable cars.

(Jim Travers)

Both venues looked more like art galleries than any auto auction, with cars carefully staged under perfect lighting, while soft music played and crowds of well-heeled, champagne-sipping buyers mingled amongst the precious metal.

And while the monumental task of moving tens of millions of dollars’ worth of unique automobiles in and out of the city – and up ten flights (!!!) – might seem like a ton of hard work, organizers tell us it’s very much worth it.

“Collectors only have so much time to devote to cars,” said Jonathan Sierakowski of Sotheby’s. “They have family and business obligations.“

He noted that the timing is especially good, considering much of their clientele is in New York around the holidays anyway. The gallery setting makes sense for another reason. “People here are not necessarily car collectors,” explained Sierakowski. Of course, that doesn’t mean a New York crowd is any less savvy about what is highly collectible, even if it happens to have four wheels and an engine attached to it.

This 1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Shadow was sold at Sotheby's "Driven by Disruption" auction.

(Jim Travers)

As professional appraiser and collector, Dave Kinney said, “This is the intersection of fine art and automobiles. Much of what we’ve learned about car collecting comes from the art world — curating, the value of provenance, originality.”

With this in mind, New York could be on the cusp of becoming an intersection where cars as forms of art look set to soar in interest, not to mention those all-important sale prices.

Here’s a look at some of the most incredible cars that fetched staggering prices right here in N.Y.C.

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti: $28.05 million

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti.

(Jim Travers)

With a documented history from new including the 1956 Mille Miglia with racing legend Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel, this Ferrari remained in competition until 1964 and, most importantly, it was never crashed.

1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Shadow: $3.73 million

1933 Pierce-Arrow Silver Shadow.

(Darin Schnabel)

One of only three known survivors of just five built, this streamlined model made its debut at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. This is the first time it’s changed hands in more than 30 years.

1972 Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV: $2.42 million

1972 Lamborghini Miura P 400 SV.

(Jim Travers)

A mid-engine supercar that set new standards when new, this Miura has just been restored by Lamborghini experts in a project overseen by factory test driver Valentino Balboni. It is claimed to be the finest example in the entire world.

1964 Porsche 356 C 1600 SC Cabriolet, once owned by Janis Joplin.

(Jim Traver)

Purchased from a California used car lot in 1968 and used as Janis Joplin’s daily driver, this Porsche was hand-painted by her friend and roadie Dave Richards. It has remained in her family ever since.

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato: $14.3 million

1962 Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato.

(Jim Traver)

One of only 19 built, this ultra-rare model combined legendary Aston Martin performance with beautiful Zagato bodywork. Its sale price is an all-time auction record for a British car.

2003 Ferrari Enzo: $3.3 million

2003 Ferrari Enzo.

(Jim Travers)

Described as the car that brought Ferrari into the 21st century, the Enzo set new standards for supercar aerodynamics and performance. This one remains pretty much brand new, with just 560 miles on it.

1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7: $918,500

1973 Porsche Carrera RS 2.7.

(Jim Travers)

The latest example of all things Porsche going through the roof, this impeccably restored 911 took years to complete, sourcing hard-to-find parts and badging from around the world.

Chevrolet 427 V-8 engine and transmission cutaway: $132,250

Chevrolet 427 V-8 engine and transmission cutaway.

(Ed Baumgarten)

Originally made for the 1964 General Motors “Futurama” pavilion, this cutaway model featured moving pistons, gears, and other parts. It’s proof you don’t even need an entire car to get collectors waving their auction paddles.

Shelby 427 Cobra radio controlled model: $28,750

Shelby 427 Cobra radio controlled model.

(Jim Travers)

Yes, this is a toy – and no, we didn’t get the price wrong. So realistic that you’d swear it’s the real thing, this scale model went for the price of some real cars.

Acme Traffic Regulator: $40,250

Acme Traffic Regulator.

(Ryan Merrill)

Ok, so it’s a traffic light. But it’s a really, really nice traffic light! Common all over Los Angeles in the 1920s, most ended up in junkyards. This restored example is believed to be one of only 11 known to exist.